How do Hybrids Work? 

HEVs combine the benefits of gasoline engines and electric motors, giving improved fuel economy and lower emissions. Powered by an internal combustion engine and by an electric motor that uses energy stored in a battery, the extra power provided by the electric motor allows for a smaller engine without sacrificing performance; the battery also powers auxiliary loads like audio systems and headlights and can reduce engine idling when the vehicle is stopped. Some HEVs can drive short distances at low speeds on electric power alone. Click here for a flash animation on how hybrids work.

HEVs also use further advanced technologies that  assist in increasing fuel economy. The most commonly used technologies can be found below.

• Regenerative Breaking
  The electric motor applies resistance to the drivetrain causing the wheels to slow down. In return, the energy from the wheels turns the motor, which functions as a generator, converting energy normally wasted during coasting and braking into electricity, which is stored in a battery until needed by the electric motor.
• Electric Motor Drive/Assist
  The electric motor provides additional power to assist the engine in accelerating, passing, or hill climbing. This allows a smaller, more efficient engine to be used. In some vehicles, the motor alone provides power for low-speed driving conditions where internal combustion engines are least efficient.
• Automatic Start/Shutoff
  Automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop and restarts it when the accelerator is pressed. This prevents wasted energy from idling.

HEVs basically use chemical energy stored in the gasoline while storing some of the energy produced, as electrical energy. This energy can be used later on, along with the chemical energy that is being converted into mechanical energy, in order to run the vehicle.

Shown below is a schematic on how hybrids work (courtesy of Auto MD)

 

Watch the video below for a step-by-step explanation behind the technology used inhybrid electric vehicles (courtesy of drive.com.au)

Interested in a short history of the hybrid vehicle and its evolution? Watch the video below! (courtesy of Discovery News and Toyota)

For a fact sheet on Hybrid Electric Vehicles, click the link below
Raji Gunasekera_HEV Fact Sheet

Author: Raji Gunasekera

Editor: Justin Pie